According to the American Academy of Periodontology periodontal disease is defined as “Inflammation of the periodontal tissues resulting in clinical attachment loss, alveolar bone loss, and periodontal pocketing”. In other words, the tissues around your teeth start to swell, detach from the tooth, and the underlying bone also begins to shrink; this leads to the development of “pockets” around each tooth.
Periodontal disease is also known as periodontitis or gum disease. These terms are often used interchangeably by dental health professionals and patients.
Periodontal disease, if left untreated, can lead to tooth mobility, tooth loss, and significant systemic health effects. Learning how to better manage periodontal disease and improve plaque removal around teeth (under the gum tissues within the periodontal pockets) can reduce the damage to your teeth and smile.
Other than the typical recommendations of brushing and using string floss, your dental provider may recommend the use of a dental water flosser. Water flossers are a great adjunct to add to your homecare routine to help improve plaque removal in hard-to-reach places. Research shows that adding a water flosser to your homecare routine can results in a 20-30% additional reduction in plaque levels than just brushing and flossing alone!
Water flossers are essentially a powered device that helps to deliver pressurized water in-between the contact points of your teeth, as well as along the gumline and beneath the gums as well. This oral hygiene method helps to break up plaque bacteria biofilm colonies and in turn reduce the inflammation response of the gum tissue if executed properly.
Water flossers are beneficial in removing plaque and food debris especially around crowns, bridges, implants and orthodontic appliances. They can be very helpful for patients that struggle with dexterity, have hands that are too large to reach their back teeth and certain patients with specific special needs challenges.
Some of the most popular water flosser brands include Waterpik, Aquasonic, H20 Floss, Philips Sonicare water flosser and the Oral-B Waterpik. Many of these options are sold online and at your local supermarket.